Mangalore : There was utter confusion and chaos at the office of the Entrepreneurs Multi- Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd At State Bank  here on May 16, Thursday, after several people who have deposited their hard earned money in the co-operative gathered at the office complaining that they have been cheated by the Bank which was now refusing to refund their deposits.

It is learnt the depositors of the Society were mainly fish vendors and daily wagers of the State Bank and Bunder area and that nearly 140 of them through the pigmy collected Shambhavi had deposited a total of Rs 9.5 lakhs with the Bank.

Sources said when they had demanded their deposits back  a couple of months ago, the bank citing shortage of staff had assured to return the same by April 15. However, when there was no sight of the Society  keeping up its promise, the depositors gathered in front of its office and  began to protest.

The Pandeshwar police have taken the Bank Chairman Padmanabha Rai to custody for questioning and have sealed the office.

Investigations are underway.